“With my mom,” Allye answered, depositing her bags next to the cake. “Since we borrowed Corina’s truck to transport the tables and chairs, we didn’t have enough seats for everyone. Dion and Lucky were more than happy to claim some grandma time.”
Eric gestured toward the door. “I’m going to get things unloaded and set up.”
“I’ll give you a hand,” Peter said.
Allye pulled Hailey into a quick hug before they followed the men outside. “How are you holding up? I won’t ask you for details—Eric already told me not to.” But she obviously knew something was wrong. It didn’t take a detective to figure that out.
“If I didn’t have the party to help distract me, I’d be a nervous wreck.” She wasn’t far from it now.
“Well, I’m glad we were able to go ahead with the party, then. I’m praying. God knows the details, even if I don’t.”
True. Hailey was praying too. Hard.
While the men unloaded plastic folding tables and chairs from the back of Corina’s truck, Allye leaned into the front, emerging with half a dozen shopping bags full of more party supplies. Hailey could see festive paper plates, cups, and napkins—all in her mom’s favorite aqua blue—peeping from the tops.
“These are perfect,” Hailey said, taking half the bags from her. “Where did you find them?”
Allye winked. “I have my ways. Now, where are you planning to have the food and drinks set up?”
“On the porch. That way we don’t have as far to go with cleanup, and it leaves the canopied areas for seating.” She’d already set up the folding table her parents used on holidays when all the kids and grandkids were able to make it home. Well, technically, Peter had set it up, but she’d supervised and given it a good wipe-down since it had been stored in the barn for months.
She led the way to the porch as she spoke. By the time they reached it, her cousin had fished a white disposable tablecloth from the bottom of one of the bags. Together, they spread it over the table, and Allye quickly pierced each corner with a long twist tie and secured them to the table legs.
“That’s genius,” Hailey said.
“Isn’t it?” Allye looked toward the guys, who already had the other tables set up and were heading their way. Her grin slipped ever so slightly. “I know Eric wants to talk to you two, so why don’t you head inside with them, and I’ll take over out here.”
Hailey frowned. She needed to hear what Eric’s plan was, but she also didn’t want to leave her cousin to do all the work. Though Allye’s health had greatly improved since last fall, they all knewshe hadn’t fully regained her strength. Anytime she pushed herself too hard, she ran the risk of her symptoms flaring.
Peter and Eric joined them on the porch. “Can I have a minute?” Eric asked. “I want to keep Allye out of this if at all possible.”
Her cousin pretended to pout. “He acts like I’ve never experienced danger before.”
Eric put his arm around her waist and pulled her close. “If I have anything to do with it, those days are over. You’ve had more than your share of danger.”
Allye melted into his embrace. “Fine, fine. I’ll let you keep your secrets. Just be safe—all of you.” She pulled away and fixed the three of them with what could only be described as a motherly glare.
“That’s the goal,” Eric said.
Hailey shot another look at her cousin. “Don’t overdo yourself, please.”
Allye waved her on. “I won’t. Go.” She pulled her phone from her pocket and had a music app playing before they made it over the threshold.
Though the walk from the porch to the living room was short, Hailey’s trepidation grew with every step. She both looked forward to and dreaded hearing what Eric had to say. Inside, she perched on the edge of the couch, unable to relax enough to settle comfortably on the cushions.
Peter sat next to her, taking her hand in his. She didn’t pull away, despite Eric’s discerning gaze. She needed Peter’s strength.
Eric cleared his throat. “I don’t have details for you yet.”
Despite her best efforts, her shoulders slumped. If she had to wait much longer, she just might burst. “So why are we in here?”
“I needed to give you a heads-up before guests begin to arrive. Ms. Novak’s murder gave me a good excuse to contact the FBI.” He gave Peter a pointed look. “Thank you for that suggestion. They are looking into it.” He focused on Hailey again. “I spoke to an agent in person yesterday. We’re taking every precautionpossible, but I needed to pull them in on your situation as well.”
She nodded. The news wasn’t totally shocking, but it did send a warring mix of relief and terror coursing through her. Getting the FBI involved was their best chance of bringing Alessandro Luque down. But if someone dropped the ball and tipped off Eukaria’s CFO, he would know she’d disobeyed him. She didn’t want to think about the consequences she could face.
“They need to talk to you. Today.”
That pronouncement did fill her with alarm. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out.
